A NEW photography exhibition is set to shine a spotlight on workers within Scotland’s fishing industry.
The initiative from the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) titled Pride in the Seas features 12 portraits of workers from across Scotland captured by acclaimed photographer Ian Georgeson.
It aims to draw attention to the lives of those working in the industry and raise the profile of challenges such as diminishing fishing rights and issues with recruitment.
Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of SFF, said the campaign gave fishing communities the chance to tell their own stories.
“The passion and pride of those working in the industry is a constant source of inspiration," she said.
“This campaign is a first of its kind and captures the spirit, integrity, and quiet pride our fishing communities possess as they carry on centuries-old local traditions while looking forward to a sustainable future for their sector.
“As well as all the positives there are concerns. Fishing is surprisingly complex. Fishing businesses are dependent on so many factors that no one has any control over and this complexity means there is still much to learn.
“But those who seek to attack fishing often use over-simplification and misinformation to talk our industry down. This is neither right nor fair, and this campaign, Pride in the Seas, gives our fishermen a chance to tell their own stories.
“The dozen that we have interviewed are a snapshot into that frontline. They are the people immediately impacted when fishing grounds are lost or policies are implemented.
“But we are all impacted if Scotland’s fishing heritage is further diminished and our vital food security, both now and in future, is threatened.”
The exhibition is expected to be held in the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh over the coming months before touring towns, schools, museums, and other public facilities across Scotland.
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